The Niger State Governor has ordered the immediate payment of two-year salaries owed 10 casual primary healthcare workers in Maje town of Suleja LGA.
Luck smiled on the affected workers on Wednesday when Governor Abubakar Sani Bello learnt of their plight during an unscheduled inspection to the health facilities.
Displeased with the development, he directed the Suleja Local Government Area (LGA) Chairman, Mr Ahmed Diko, to effect immediate payment of the outstanding salaries of the casual workers.
“It is very unfair for people to work without payment. As the Chief Security Officer (Suleja LGA Chairman) of this place, go and get money to pay this workers their due salaries within 24 hours,” the governor directed.
In addition to the remuneration, Governor Bello assured the affected workers of permanent employment if they discharge their duties diligently.
“If you do your work as expected, I assure all of you of permanent employment. This hospital is being used especially by pregnant women, always ensure proper hygiene especially in the bathrooms and toilets,” he said.
The governor also pledged his administration’s resolve to provide adequate modern medical facilities to the primary healthcare centres across Niger State for easy access to healthcare services, especially the teeming rural dwellers.
He directed the Permanent Secretary of the state’s Ministry of Health, Dr. Ibrahim Tiffin, to ensure adequate provision of health facilities in the area.
Governor Bello also addressed the crowd that trooped out on sighting his convoy, urging them to shun bitterness and be patient with the government.
He assured them that they would soon feel the impact of the change they voted for.
Commending the governor’s intervention, one of the affected workers, Malama Fatima Mohammed, said: “This singular act of the governor will surely wipe away our tears.
“We are 10 casual staff in this centre. Our salary is 6000 Naira per month (and) for over two years now, we have not been paid by the Local government that engages us,” she said.